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Build or Buy an AR

Hi,

This might have been covered in another thread but most of the threads that I read were from a few years ago so things might have changed. I would like to have an AR style rifle and I was wondering if it is cheaper to build one or to buy an AR? I will be using it for plinking/target shooting. The features that I want are: 1.) 20" barrel with a front sight
2.) A flat top receiver with a detachable carrying handle with rear sight
3.) solid butt stock (not the M4 type collapsible stock)
4.) My budget is $850.00
Most of the AR's that I have been seeing in the shops have the collapsible stock and a 16" barrel (like the M4 carbine). I have the basic metal working tools (files, punches, screw drivers, grinder, drill press, taps, micrometers etc.). I have basic metal working skills and have done a few firearms projects in the past. Also being retired military I have had experience with the M16 and M4 rifles.

Re: Build or Buy an AR

Building is a bit less, especially if you already have the tools. Installing the barrel on the upper requires a specialty tool or 2 but they aren't all that expensive. Once you start wanting parts that are generally nonstandard on a new rifle (flat top upper with an A2 style stock, for instance), it gets cheaper to build in a hurry.

I just put together a distance shooter with exactly the parts I wanted. It came out to a good bit more than $850, but I selected quite a few expensive and unnecessary parts (Geissele trigger, Magpul stuff, free floated barrel, etc). I think if I was going for cheap I could do it for around $650.

Re: Build or Buy an AR

With complete bolt carrier group $520. BCM is probably best value in a 20". All milspec+ Same or on par as Colt, FN, A2s and A4s. I have a BCM middy and it shoots like Lee Marvin in a foul mood.

If this is a project gun to learn how to build an upper, and it is just going to be a range toy, well, so be it. However, if this is a defense weapon, unless you have experience as an armorer BUY IT, IMHO. If you are retired military then you should know how finicky M16/M4 family is, and how crappy some rifles end up after being rebarreled and rebuilt by armorers a thousand times.

2.) A flat top receiver with a detachable carrying handle with rear sight

If you have a reason why you want a carrying handle, then feel free to ignore my suggestion, however I don't really see a need for one. You can put a fixed rear-BUIS, and have a much range of options, depending on what type of shooting you are going to do, and how much you are willing to spend.

Anyway, Good luck.

Last edited by panther76; July 22nd, 2010 at 04:11 PM.
Reason: was thinking CMT